Become a Candy Striper
2026 Candy Striper Program
Our goal is to provide positive, energetic students of ages 14 to 18, who are possibly interested in health care or other real world experience, with an environment and an opportunity to learn, help others, build friendships, and give back. The program takes place in the summer and provides students an opportunity to use their time off from school to support MUSC departments that could use an extra sets of hands. Note that due to the volume of applications we receive, and the specific requirements of the program, we are unable to place every applicant.
Visit our Testimonials page to see if this program is for you!
Application Requirements
Acceptance into the program is contingent upon the below:
- Must be at least 14 years old by the date of orientation
- Must complete online application when available during application window dates below.
- Must perform group interview in-person
- Must complete health screening and be approved by MUSC Employee Health Services
- Immunization records (2 MMR, 2 Varicella, Tdap, and Hep B) will be reviewed at screening
- Must provide a letter of recommendation which can be from a teacher, guidance counselor, employer, leader of applicable student organization, etc.
Our program is available throughout the MUSC Health system of South Carolina. Please be sure to take a look at the program overview associated with your nearest location below.
Location Program Overview
We are excited to offer two separate program sessions for our junior volunteers. Please read below for all our program info.
Applications will only be accepted during the application window below.
- March 16 through 27, 2026
Applicants accepted into the program will need to attend the in-person group interview. Interview dates will be shared via email once accepted. Health screening appointments are scheduled after the interview for accepted individuals, so please have immunization records ready by interview date. Parent/guardian must be present at appointment for participants under 16 years old.
Participants will be required to attend a full day of orientation before the program starts. Please save these dates and ensure volunteer can attend.
- June 9 or July 7
- 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Our program offers two sessions and participants must complete an entire 2-week session to receive credit hours. Sessions are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Session 1
- June 15 to 26, 2026
Session 2
- July 13 to 24, 2026
Participants will be allowed two excused absences per session. Uniforms, hospital badges, lunch allowance, and parking will be provided during the program. Participants will be assigned specific departments throughout our Charleston downtown campus.
Charleston Candy Striper Volunteer Application
For additional questions, contact fullerme@musc.edu
We are excited to offer two separate program sessions for our junior volunteers. Please read below for all our program info.
Applications will only be accepted during the application window.
- March 02 through 27, 2026
Applicants accepted into the program will need to attend the in-person group interview. Interview dates will be shared via email once accepted. Health screening appointments are scheduled after the interview for accepted individuals, so please have immunization records ready by interview date.
Our program offers two sessions and participants must be willing to complete an entire 2-week session. Sessions are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session 1
- June 08 to 19, 2026
Session 2
- July 13 to 24, 2026
Participants will be allowed two excused absences per session. Uniforms, hospital badges, lunch allowance, and parking will be provided during the program. Participants will be assigned specific departments throughout our locations in MUSC Black River Medical Center, MUSC Florence Medical Center, MUSC Marion Medical Center.
Pee Dee Division Candy Striper Volunteer Application
For additional questions, contact coxkel@musc.edu
We are excited to offer two separate program sessions for our junior volunteers. Please read below for all our program info.
Applications will only be accepted during the application window.
- March 02 through April 10, 2026
Applicants accepted into the program will need to attend the in-person group interview. Interview dates will be shared via email once accepted. Health screening appointments are scheduled after the interview for accepted individuals, so please have immunization records ready by interview date. Parent/guardian must be present at this appointment.
Participants will be required to attend a full day of orientation before the program starts. Please save this date and ensure volunteer can attend.
- June 11, 2025
- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Our program offers two sessions and participants must be willing to complete an entire 2-week session. Participants can come in for half day shifts of 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or full day shifts of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Session 1
- June 15 to 26, 2026
Session 2
- July 13 to 24, 2026
Participants will be allowed two excused absences per session. Uniforms, hospital badges, meal vouchers, and parking will be provided during the program. Participants will be assigned specific departments throughout MUSC Lancaster Medical Center and MUSC Chester Medical Center.
Lancaster Candy Striper Volunteer Application
For additional questions, contact jordaann@musc.edu
We are excited to offer two separate program sessions for our junior volunteers. Please read below for all our program info.
Applications will only be accepted during the application window.
Applicants accepted into the program will need to attend the in-person group interview. Interview dates will be shared via email once accepted. Health screening appointments are scheduled after the interview for accepted individuals, so please have immunization records ready by interview date.
Participants will be required to complete a virtual orientation before the program starts and an in-person orientation on the morning of their first day.
Our program offers two sessions and participants must be willing to complete an entire 2-week session. Each session offers a morning shift or an afternoon shift.
Session 1
Session 2
Participants will be allowed two excused absences per session. Uniforms, hospital badges, lunch allowance, and parking will be provided during the program. Participants will be assigned specific departments throughout MUSC Columbia Medical Center - Downtown, MUSC Columbia Medical Center - Northeast, and MUSC Kershaw Medical Center.
Midlands Candy Striper Volunteer Application
For additional questions, contact bradlepa@musc.edu
We are excited to offer two separate program sessions for our junior volunteers. Please read below for all our program info.
Applications will only be accepted during the application window.
- March 09 through April 17
Applicants accepted into the program will need to attend the in-person group interview. Interview dates will be shared via email once accepted. Health screening appointments are scheduled after the interview for accepted individuals, so please have immunization records ready by interview date.
Participants will be required to attend a full day of orientation before the program starts. Please save these dates and ensure volunteer can attend.
- June 4 or July 18
- 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Our program offers two sessions and participants must be willing to complete an entire 2-week session. Sessions are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Session 1
- June 08 to June 19, 2026
Session 2
- July 13 to July 24, 2026
Participants will be allowed two excused absences per session. Uniforms, hospital badges, lunch allowance, and parking will be provided during the program. Participants will be assigned specific departments throughout our Orangeburg Regional Medical Center.
Orangeburg Candy Striper Volunteer Application
For additional questions, contact loydca@musc.edu
